Chinese Export Decorative Objects
CHINESE EXPORT STYLE
Expanded trade between Europe and East Asia, starting in the 16th century, led to a booming market for exported goods, particularly furniture. This was bolstered by the establishment of the Dutch and English East India Companies at the beginning of the 17th century. From folding screens and chairs to lacquer tables and silver, Chinese Export furniture was in demand and regularly copied and imitated, leading to styles like chinoiserie and Chinese Chippendale.
The expansion of exporting that had strengthened the arts during the Ming dynasty continued into the Qing dynasty era — Chinese designers made many furniture pieces specifically for export, resulting in distinctive designs that mixed traditional techniques with forms appealing to foreign buyers. For instance, cabinetmakers in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) were prolific in crafting hardwood furniture for export in European styles that involved the expert joinery techniques of Chinese furniture. Designs for Chinese Export porcelain, cabinets, decorative objects and other furniture were often more ornately adorned than they would be for a local audience, such as with mother-of-pearl overlays or surfaces featuring lavish pictorial scenes or gold on black motifs. Some were even commissioned by wealthy European families to be adorned with their coat of arms.
Because lacquer furniture was especially prized, and the resin used to create it was difficult to import as it would harden during the long voyage, artisans in China and Japan exported numerous lacquer pieces. Long before lacquer made its way to Japan, the Chinese treated the material differently. They used it to create smooth, glossy surfaces, but also for carving, an art that began in the 12th century and is exclusively Chinese. These pieces are called cinnabar lacquer after the powdered mercury sulfide (cinnabar) employed to produce their characteristic red hue. A popular form for export was a compact cabinet with drawers, usually displayed on a small table. Undecorated furniture built in Europe was also shipped to China to be lacquered. The international exchange of design would influence furniture into the 19th century and later, informing styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Chinese Export tables, beds, cupboards, table lamps and more furniture on 1stDibs.
to
143
1,077
40
7
45
311
721
47
205
166
46
12
3
15
7
10
11
4
7
5
2
25,706
14,493
8,691
5,460
3,826
3,057
2,177
1,642
1,356
1,236
1,090
1,070
988
916
893
641
637
586
702
562
270
137
72
872
202
1,020
980
961
28
17
Height
to
Width
to
1,124
1,124
1,124
4
3
2
2
2
Style: Chinese Export
Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Chinese Carved Cinnabar & Enamelled Box with Imperial Dragon Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique decorative box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China, and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Early Chinese Republic Era Cloisonne Vases with Stylized Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique cloisonne vases originate from China during the Early Republic period and done in the Chinese Export style. These vases are...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Famille Rose Elephant Modeled as a Candlestick
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export porcelain canton famille rose elephant modeled as a candlestick,
Circa 1860
The standing Chinese Export porcelain elephant with its trunk up is painted in an iron-red with gilt decoration and caparisoned. On its back is a gu-form vase candle holder rising from the raised saddle. Below the urn is a long saddle cloth hanging down painted with famille rose birds...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
1920s Chinese Export Silver Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases.
This exceptional an...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Black Leather Box On Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular box with brass tacks and hinged lid set in a brass base.
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
set of 3 Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figurines
Located in Den Haag, NL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurines inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distingui...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Large Blue and White Porcelain Lidded Urns or Jars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain lidded urns with classic form featuring foo dog handles on top and hand decorated with an auspicious composition of fruit trees and birds in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Diminutively scaled Chinese blue & white porcelain vase, c. 1680
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese provincial porcelain trumpet form vase on a flaring foot. This diminutively scaled vase is decorated fully in the round in cobalt under glaze blue with blooming peony bough and a magpie fluttering on a branch. This vignette bears auspicious symbols for beauty, wealth and joy. The peony is the queen of all flowers in China and it symbolizes wealth and beauty. The magpie is a harbinger of happiness, thus its name "bird of happiness."
There is a tiny ding on the flared mouth rim and also on the foot ring. The dark spots of various sizes represent ashes that landed on the glaze in the firing process which supports the age of the vase when all porcelain objects were stacked high and fired in a wood kiln.
On the underside is a double cobalt ring...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Turtle Tortoise Figurine 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 20th Century Blue & White Chinese Porcelain Turtle, Tortoise Figurine.
Vintage Blue and White Ceramic Turtle, Tortoise figurine.
Circa: 1970s...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Celadon Glazed Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese glazed porcelain vase in a celadon color with a bulbous form (date mark on bottom, see photos).
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Red Asian Cinnabar Boxes with Lid and Blue Lacquer Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of lovely Boxes in the style of Cinnabar. Intricately Carved small boxes with a removable lid, revealing a blue lacquer inside. Perfectly suited for decorative purposes or ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Fu Lion Fantail Vase, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This porcelain vase from the early 20th-century is sculpted to a classic phoenix-tail silhouette and decorated on all sides with mythical fu lions. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, f...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Large Antique Chinese Porcelain Roosters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of 1920’s Chinese Porcelain Roosters. Vibrantly painted and decorated in polychrome application. The roosters are shown in their typical...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Court Maiden Candlesticks
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain pair of maiden candlesticks,
circa 1760-1775
A pair of large Chinese Export figures of standing maidens holding ...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Old Chinese Pagoda Candlesticks in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of pagoda shaped candleholders in brass. Made in China before 1969 where the previous owner bought them. They can be installed with regular sized candles. Measurements: H: 23 ...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Blue & White & Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylinder Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Blue & White & Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylinder Vase, China, 19th Century
A rare and unique Chinese Blue and White Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylin...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Gilt carved Wooden Tang Horse Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Chinese Gilt Polychrome Wooden Carved Tang Dynasty Style Horse Sculpture. Featured nicely hand carved and hand painted with gilt highlighted on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Rose Mandarin Lidded Bottle Vase, Early 19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Early 19th century rose mandarin lidded bottle vase, typically decorated in the 'Rose Medallion' pattern. Two panels depicting Chinese garden and interior scenes and two panels with ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Chinese Cloisonné Champlevé Bronze Vase, China, circa 1890
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Large antique Chinese late 19th century Qing dynasty Cloisonné, Champlevé enameled bronze vase, circa 1890. The vase of archaic style and having...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
1940s Chinese Pair Foo Dog Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Pair of Antique Chinese Figurines Foo Dog Sculpture
Green Glaze Ceramic
8 tall x 3.75 w x 6.5 d
Preowned original vintage condition.
Refer to...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled Basket
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled and covared Basket.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Pair of Patinated Metal Asian Men Busts. It depicts two large busts of an Asian men with long mustache and beards. Both of them are wearing what appears to be like a crown ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of Good Quality 19th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Vases
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of 19th century Chinese Cantonese / rose Medallion vases, each having the classical green ground with pink floral decoration, pierced blue handles to either ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Cloisonné Vase with Lid Flower Decoration China circa 1950
Located in Milan, Italy
Chinese lidded vase in cloisonne and gilt bronze enamel, probably from the first half of the 20th century. The domed lid with finial in the shape of a seated Buddhist lion overlooks ...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Chinese blue and white jardiniere, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th Century Chinese Blue and White porcelain jardiniere, have bold colouring with classical motif decoration to the boarders, and chrysanthemum and leaf decoration wit...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Polychrome Vases
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of very early 20th century Chinese polychrome porcelain vases in mint condition, measure: 24" H x 9" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Canton / Rose Medallion Garden Seat
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th Century Chinese Canton / Rose medallion hexagonal porcelain garden seat. The top and sides having pierced decoration to the centres, two rows gilded buttons aroun...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Petite Famille Verte Canton Vase, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the 1920s during China's Republic Period, this petite vase is decorated in a style known as Canton enamel, so named for the long-standing industry of export enamels based in...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Late 19th Century Qing Dynasty Matching Pair Chinese Famille Rose Vases
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful set of two matching Qing Dynasty porcelain vases. These vase are both in good condition and add absolute great value to your interior.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Unusual Pair of Large Chinese Export Canton Famille Rose 1000 Butterfly Vases
Located in New York, NY
An unusual pair of large Chinese export canton famille rose thousand butterfly porcelain vases. The vase has a very unusual shape and was most pro...
Category
1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Export Rose Mandarin Lidded Bottle Vase, Early 19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Early 19th century rose mandarin lidded bottle vase, typically decorated in the 'Rose Medallion' pattern. Two panels depicting Chinese garden and interior scenes and two panels with ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Louis XVI Style Chinese-Export Ormolu Mounted Famille Rose Porcelain Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of Louis XVI style chinoiserie gilt-bronze mounted Chinese export famille rose porcelain vases. The ovoid hand painted porcelain body with dual scenes of a sword presenta...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Chinese Light Green-Black Jade Lidded Urn
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a lidded light green-black color jade urn adorned with multiples branches of kelp leaves that are attached to it. The urn stands over an asymmetrical ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Blue and White Brush Pot with First Scholar
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Blue And White Vase
Located in Norwood, NJ
A large antique 19th century Chinese floor vase having a celadon ground and blue and white underglaze decoration to the body. The underglaze decoration is of Chinese decorations such...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Magical Aged Metal Chinese Horse with Bronze Patina
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Character rich aged gilded metal horse having a tribal Chinese vibe and wonderful patina.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
STUNNING CHINESE EXPORT HAND CARVED WOOD DRAGON MANTLE CLOCK & CANDLESTiCKS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1880-1920 Chinese Export hand carved dragon mantle clock with matching candlesticks
A good looking and expertly carved suite...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Ormolu Bowl Produced for Export to Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese ormolu bowl produced for export to Islamic Market
Chinese, early 20th century
Measures: Height 13cm, width 31cm, depth 22cm
This ch...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
A Pair of Late 18th-Early 19th Century Chinese Lidded Jars
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of late 18th-early 19th century Chinese beautifully painted famille rose lidded jars. Very impressive with iron straps to secure and lock the lids. Jars are raised on 5" woode...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Chinese Butterfly Large Soup Tureen in the Schmetterling Pattern
Located in Boston, MA
I am proud to offer you this rare Meissen Chinese butterfly soup tureen. The tureen is painted in the Kakiemon style with a central Chinese butterfly on ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Meal Delivery and Lunch Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique lacquered lunch box from Shan Xi, China has over 140 years history and still maintained very good condition. There are some traditional carving works on the two sides handle and shows the traditional style of Northern China's cultural. This antique lunch box...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue 19th c.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue late 19th c.
Asian Chinese antique cast bronze elephant sculpture.
Ceremonial cast metal elephant with beautiful detailed carving on hi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Huge Scale 32″ Decorative Chinese Porcelain Fish Bowl Jardinière Planter
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A superb decorative Chinese Porcelain Fish Bowl Jardinière Planter, rarely seen in this scale, this large 32″ diameter example makes for an unique...
Category
Early 20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Set of Chinese Jade Carved Horse Drawn Carriage Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of Chinese Jade carved horse drawn carriage are hand crafted with exquisite detail. They were carved with a "thallium tool" and jade-resolving sand by skilled craftsmen in t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Two Chinese Gilt Bronze Mounted Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
These cloisonné enamel vases are wonderful pieces of Chinese decorative art. They were crafted in the last decade of the Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1911.
The vases a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Bronze, Ormolu
A Pair Of Hand-Painted Chinese Porcelain Vases
Located in Bradenton, FL
Lovely pair of early 20th Century Chinese Cylindrical Porcelain Vases with scenes from traditional Chinese motifs. Vases feature mirror images of two women in robes of the era sittin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Tin Tea leaf Cans/Holders Set
Located in Pomona, CA
Tin Tea cans from Late Qing dynasty or early Republic era of China, tea fragrance blends with time!
🌸 A set of exquisite tin tea cans from late Qing dynasty to the Republic era of C...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Tin
19th century Chinese Export Blue/ White Porcelain Large decorative Urn/ Piece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This 19th century Chinese Export Blue and White Porcelain Decorative Urn is a stunning example of fine craftsmanship and intricate artistry. The urn boasts beautiful hand-painted flo...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Samson French Porcelain Gilt Sepia Chinese Export Style Punch Bowl
By Samson & Cie
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French porcelain bunch bowl.
By Edme Samson et Cie.
In the Chinese Export style
Decorated throughout with floral device in a sepia...
Category
20th Century French Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved with Spoon Top, circa 1940
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Chinese Export snuff bottle, complete with its spoon top and made from a natural agate, hand carved stone, having lovely amber colors, which we date to the first ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate
Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Landscape Sculpture, Scholar art
Located in Pomona, CA
This sculpture has exquisite carved landscaping and buildings, etc. Detailed hand carving works on a piece of Boxwood. It was used as paper weigh - a scholar arts on the desk. Look a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Boxwood
Large 19th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large very good quality 19th century Chinese Cantonese (Rose medallion) vase, having the classical green ground with classical scrolling foliate and motif decoration, inset painted...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Tea Caddies with Floral and Bamboo Motifs
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of antique Chinese hexagonal form hand painted Porcelain tea caddies with floral and bamboo motifs. Each is beautifully hand painted on porcelain with a rich brown ground and golden tan flowers. They are of hexagonal form with beautifully hand painted peonies...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Mid Century Black Cloisonne Ginger Jar
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export Mid Century Black cloisonne ginger jar featuring large scale chrysanthemum flower. Hand Made.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Monumental Chinese Green Glazed Koi
Located in Chicago, IL
A visual pun for "abundance," this monumental ceramic fish sculpture brings an abundance of blessings, wealth and marital bliss. The terracotta statue depicts a large koi, or carp, j...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Export Dragon Motif Silver Picture Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese export dragon motif silver plate picture frame. Newly replaced. New low glare clear glass. Original burgundy leather easel back. Opening ...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Archaic Style Patinated Bronze Planter, China, Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Archaic style antique bronze planter - large size - featuring fine casting with over-all textured finish, decorative elements and Greek key bord...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Export decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Hung Chong & Co., Mottahedeh, and Samson & Cie. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,500.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Signa
Antique Silver Calling Card Case
Antique Sterling Silver Calling Card Case
Art Noves Ceramics
Arts And Crafts Diamond Mirror
Atom Model
Baccarat Crystal Dolphin
Beck Marble
Mentawai Hand Carved
Mid Century Italian Cigarette Boxes Stone
Robert Kuo Rock Crystal
Verlys Bird
Vintage Copper Flag
3 Clock Set By Tiffany
African Terracotta Pot
Airplane Phone
Amphora Figurine
Anish Kapoor Sculpture